Stories of Oregon State students

Bobby Sensenbach is a member of the Native American Student Association (NASA), a united group of Oregon State students that promote higher education for Native Americans, preserve and nourish Native American culture and identity, uphold Native American rights and support the retention of Native American students at OSU.

Who can join? Why join?Anyone can join the Native American Student Association; it is not restricted by tribal enrollment, cultural background, etc. This club wants members who are committed to serving the indigenous community at Oregon State and at large while having fun along the way.

How did you get involved?Sophomore year of college, I was pursuing information about my own native lineage and working to connect myself with indigenous peoples. I was also researching colonialism, systems of power and the United States government’s efforts to eradicate and assimilate indigenous culture. Motivated, I visited the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws for the first time and volunteered to help plan for events. One thing led to another, and I became a member of NASA and an employee at the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws.

Home Away From Home is a series created by undergraduate Santiago Garfias-Miranda and published by University Marketing to help students find their community at Oregon State. Find your home away from home in one of OSU’s over 400 student clubs and organizations. Explore the full series here.